Lori Bailey
Cunningham
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and had the good
fortune of having artist-parents who supplied me with an abundance
of art materials and gave me plenty of opportunities for creative
expression. I began drawing "circle art" when I was very young,
and often incorporated radial patterns into my art projects.

It was not until 1978 that I discovered
there was a name for the designs to which I was so drawn. I was
given the book Mandala, by Jose and Miriam Arguelles, which deepened
my interest in mandala expression. I continued to explore creating
mandalas in many mediums and used them in my profession of graphic
design as well.

When the idea for the Mandala Project
emerged in 1996, I sensed a shift in the direction of my career
as well as in my personal development. As I explored the idea of
using mandala art to promote peace, it became apparent that seeing
things as a whole was a simple concept that needed to be incorporated
into education. This isn't a new idea, just one that isn't well-used
in public education.

I am convinced that the mandala,
as a representation of wholeness, can be a potent and even necessary
element in education. When information is supplied within a context
that is united by a central focus, learning makes sense and is more
easily assimilated.

In addition to an ever-expanding
interest in education, my research into the mandala has also increased
my appreciation and awe for the world around me. The mandala helps
to explain the world we live in: how cycles exist within cycles;
material forms spring from an infinite, primal pattern; and how
all things are connected. When seen within a holistic framework,
the world makes more sense and yet holds even more mystery--such
a paradox!

In the fall of 2000 I received a
call from LaVonne Carlson, an editor for DK Publishing, who asked
me to write a book about the mandala. Writing the book was an incredible
experience for which I am very thankful. My hope is that the book
will inspire readers to see the world differently--just as I have--through
exploration of the mandala.